starting a career in music

[JonWands]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. I've been putting too much analyzation and not enough motivation into this whole concept lately. I want to be able to go out and play. Sure theres a lot of fields in music but I suppose just getting out there in the free time I have is better than anything Ill learn in school. I guess that can always be an option down the road with time and money willing anyway right? Right now my time is precious. So what did I do? Well I guess ill keep working like a dog to pay the bills for now and just make time wherever I can to get someone to notice me. Learn songs. Write songs. And for now I suppose I can use the internet to get seen a little especially since I dont have much free time no?

 

[RocketRalf]

I'm gonna differ a little from the others and say this: Money doesn't matter. If you're doing what you really want to do and your motivation is high, you'll become good enough and doors will open for you, or else you'll find your own way, it might be a hard road, but in the end you'll be happy for doing what you like the most. Just make sure it is what you really want and that you give it your all! Music is not an occupation, it's a way of life.

(take my advice with a bit of spice, of course money matters, but it's not the objective, it's just a necessary stepping stone)

 

[Mick]

Find a rich woman with a oil company - my 2 cts

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

THIS IS SO TRUE. Be a nice guy and SHOW UP EARLY and everyone will want you back. Guitar players have the reputation of being total slackers. Be a positive force wherever you play and people will hire you again.

To reiterate, 3 rules are:

1. Show up early
2. Don't complain
3. Show up early and don't complain

Radrock is so right here.

I get lots of gigs and deps thanks to my reliability and timekeeping. I am always the first to arrive, carry spares for everything and have good gear that works.

Also having a good positive 'can do' attitude goes a long way. Turn up or turn down when you are asked, and if you get booked for a dep with an over the top bass player who is the 'star of the show' let him shine and do what you have been asked to do.

With the right approach, you will have more work than you can handle..